Business Owner's Guide

Assistance

Indiana offers many assistance programs for business, some of which are mentioned in this document. Often, the best source of information regarding assistance is a local economic development office.

IV-A. NATIONAL PROGRAMS

IV-A-1. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA acts as an advocate for small business interests. Most SBA programs are administered through partnerships with private entities. The SBA has loan guarantee programs available to persons who have made every effort to obtain a loan through conventional means. SBA does not have grant programs for starting a small business. For more information regarding the SBA, contact:

Small Business Administration

IV-A-2. Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

SCORE provides free, confidential individual counseling for starting a new business and for important decisions and problems of an existing business. SCORE also conducts a monthly seminar on "Starting and Operating a Small Business". Free business literature and publications are available. Some chapters offer a textbook, The Guide To Starting a Business. There are 11 local SCORE chapters throughout the State. (See Appendix E) or www.score.org

IV-A-3. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Indiana SBDC Network serves as the "First Stop Shop" with 10 Centers across the state offering free, confidential consulting to start up and existing businesses in Indiana. Seminars, workshops and conferences are geared to the specific needs of small business owners as well as those just starting out. Access to information regarding state and federal programs and to business experts on how to successfully start and/or operate a business in Indiana is available. Help with business and market planning, obtaining financing, and other business related topics are available. For more information, contact the SBDC (888-472-3244) or the local SBDC nearest you. (See Appendix F) or www.isbdc.org

IV-B. STATEWIDE PROGRAMS

IV-B-1. State Information Center

The State Information Center is a cooperative effort of all state agencies, providing easier access to Indiana State Government. Counselors are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer general questions regarding state programs, services and requirements, and to direct callers to the correct office for assistance with more specific needs. Many of the forms mentioned in this document are available from the State Information Center as well. For any state government information, contact:

State Information Center

IV-B-2. IN.GOV

IN.gov, the State of Indiana's official website, provides convenient, ’round the clock access to state government information and services. With just a computer (or even a handheld device) and an internet connection, users can access an ever-increasing variety of up-to-date information and services, including Bureau of Motor Vehicle renewals, Indiana legislation and Code , tax services and forms, economic development information, tourism guides, professional and trade association information, and much more. Visit the Indiana website at http://www.IN.gov. For more information about the State’s services on IN.gov, please e-mail customerservice@www.in.gov or: IN.gov

IN.gov

10 W. Market St., Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204

317-233-2010 or 888-446-3468

Fax: 317-233-2011

IV-B-3. Indiana Economic Development Corp (IEDC)

The IEDC offers business incentives, technical and site selection assistance to expanding businesses already located in the state or to companies relocating to the state.

Trade Show Assistance Programs (TSAP) provides financial assistant to Indiana manufacturers by reimbursing a portion of the costs incurred while exhibiting product at overseas trade shows.

For more information about the IEDC or any of its programs, contact:

Indiana Economic Development Corp (IEDC)

IV-B-4. Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides employers with a free labor exchange service designed to help build Indiana's workforce by bringing together qualified job seekers and employers seeking qualified workers. Through a statewide network of One-Stop Employment Centers, job seekers and employers have free access to a variety of information to help make the match between employers and job seekers more effective. Each One-Stop Center maintains an Information Resource Area available to the public, which provides access to information, and technology designed to improve employability.

Information may also be obtained on job openings and training opportunities available throughout the local community, state, and nation. Full time staff assistance is available for those in need.

Employers may contact any Department of Workforce Development local office in Indiana to find qualified workers to meet their workforce needs. Using Customer Self Service System (CS3), the state maintains a state wide data bank of qualified job seekers to meet the specialized needs of employers. Employers may post jobs on-line through CS3 and access job seekers' work history and skills for an annual fee. Employers may also access prospective employees by submitting a job order to any local DWD office. (See Appendix D). Also, visit DWD's Internet site at http://www.in.gov/dwd.

IV-B-5. Indiana Department of Administration

Procurement/Public Works: Any company, individual, partnership or corporation seeking to sell a product or service to the State of Indiana will need to obtain a Vendor Application (in or out of state). An out-of-state corporation will also need a Certificate of Authority from the Office of Secretary of State. For more information regarding sales to Indiana, contact:

Indiana Department of Administration, Procurement Division

Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises Division: The Minority and Women's Business Enterprises Division (M/WBED) was created in order to ensure that Minority- and Women- owned businesses are given an equal opportunity to participate in the state purchasing process. The office is governed by the Governor's Commission on Minority and Women's Business Enterprises.

Each year the Commission votes on contracting goals, which set the level of participation for minority- and women-owned firms on state contracts. Their office reviews applications for certification, provides advocacy services and training opportunities and monitors state contracts for compliance.

In order to be certified as a Minority-owned or Women-owned Business, a minority or women (or both) must: Own 51% of the business, control the business enterprise and be a U.S. Citizen.

The Minority and Women's Business Enterprises Division provides advocacy services and training to its clients. Training opportunities and public outreach events are planned to keep the certified firms educated about the state purchasing process and contracting opportunities.

The M/WBED has Business Development Unit in which state contracts are randomly monitored to ensure that contract participation goals are being attained. In addition, they will investigate concerns that arise out of contract relationships. The Department of Administration has the authority to impose sanctions on contractors that are found in non-compliance. Their program actively promotes, monitors, and enforces the state's M/WBE participation goals.

If you feel that your firm would be eligible for certification, contact M/WBED office.